By Kuda Pembere
Cabinet on Tuesday approved a reduction in the cost of obtaining a Certificate of Good Standing for nurses, lowering the fee from US$300 to a new charge that is yet to be gazetted.
Addressing a post-Cabinet media briefing, Information Minister Soda Zhemu said the move is part of broader efforts to ease the cost burden of regulatory fees in the health sector.
“Following comprehensive proposals presented by Honourable Felix Mhona, as Acting Minister of Finance, Economic Development and Investment Promotion, Cabinet approved the streamlining of duplicated and overlapping regulatory licences and permits, removal of unnecessary levies and fees, and the reduction of unjustifiably high charges in the health sector,” said Zhemu.
He said the reduction of the Certificate of Good Standing fee for nurses is among key highlights of the reforms.
“….Reduction of the following fees… Certificate of Good Standing,” Zhemu said.
Government had, in 2022, doubled the cost of application fees for nurses’ confirmation letters and certificates from US$150 to US$300, a move that drew concern from health professionals.
The Nursea Council of Zimbabwe (NCZ) is the sole authority for issuing certificates of good standing and confirmation letters for nursing professionals in the country.
These letters, also known as “verifications,” confirm that a nurse has completed a diploma course and are used for work applications outside Zimbabwe
Zhemu added that several other fees have also been reviewed, including charges related to applications for changes to material particulars in the registration of health institutions, clinical trials for locally funded human and veterinary medicines, hospital tier approval letters, certificates of status, and registration of new premises.
